Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/236



LIFE'S VOYAGE.

There rose, amid the boundless flood, A little island green; And there a simple race abode That knew no other scene;

Save that a vague tradition ran, That all the starry skies Bore up a brighter race of man, Robed in the rainbow's dyes.

A youth there was of ardent soul, Who viewed the azure hue, And saw the waves of ocean roll Against its circle blue.

He launched his skiff, with bold intent To seek the nations bright, And o'er the rolling waters went, For many a day and night.

His lusty arms did stoutly strain, Nor soon their vigor spent: All hope was he right soon to gain And climb the firmament;

Where glorious forms, in garments bright, Dipped in the rainbow's dyes, And streets, star-paved, should lend their light To his enraptured eyes.